If there is one thing I love about the weekends it would have to be late morning breakfasts.

I usually get up fairly early (even on the weekends). I like to get things done around the house- like the dishes from the night before, some cleaning, and laundry. After that is taken care of and everyone else is up and moving- time for breakfast! This weekend was no exception. I looked into the fridge- lots of yummy vegetables: green peppers, onion, mushrooms, and tomatoes- throw in some cheese and eggs and you have one of my all time favorites- omelet! There are many different ways to make a omelet and people like them with more cheese or less vegetable. I like mine with LOTS of veggies and little egg or cheese. Here is my recipe for a perfect omelet.

Ingredients:
2-3 tablespoons of chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1-2 button mushrooms sliced and diced

1 tablespoon tomato- diced

Sprinkle of cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

1 egg

Salt and Pepper

Directions:
In a small skillet, warm 1/2 tablespoon of butter and 1 tsp. olive oil. Add vegetables except for the tomato. Let cook for about 2 minutes. You do not want your vegetables to be soft- a little bite to them is what you want. Meanwhile, crack open your egg into a dish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and 1-2 teaspoons of water. Mix with a fork until combined. Add egg directly over the vegetables. Add the tomato and cheese. Let cook until the outer edges are firming up. Now, this part may seem tricky, but you can do it either way. You could fold up either side of the omelet making more of a crepe looking omelet or fold one side of the egg directly on top of the other side. Once you choose your method- flip egg over and let cooking for 1-2 minutes longer. Enjoy!

With the start of Fall right around the corner, there are several things I am looking forward to include the cool weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and football. Yes, I admit it, football is ok in my book. I don’t think I could sit down on the couch and watch a whole game, but I know that it brings happiness to many around the world- including my husband. One way that I enjoy watching football is if there are people over! Here are three tips for having your own budget friendly football party.

1. Keep it small
The thing is with large parties, there are usually large messes. Having a small number of guest (I say anywhere between 4-8) insures that the mess stays under control. Another nice thing about a small party is everyone can have space. It is nice when people can sit comfortably and aren’t crammed into your living room like a can of sardines. If you are having people over, you shouldn’t expect them to stand for the whole game. Finally and most importantly, smaller number or guests means less cost. It is as simple as that.

2. Be gracious
Everyone once in a while it is fun to play “host” and wait on your guests like they are the most important ones there. This little form of generosity catches people off guard and makes them feel good about being in your home. Go ahead and refill everyone’s drinks at a commercial. Offer them seconds on that great dip you have around- or better yet-read number three…..

3.Make yummy food
If you are having people over to “watch the game,” chances are they are pretty good friends of yours. So whether you are having them over for dinner or just some munchies, have something that you know they like. Remember not to go overboard on the chips and dips- have something a little healthier like roasted red pepper dip with some wheat crackers. Instead of three bags of chips, make a taco dip. One thing that I love to do is have something that can last throughout the night. A yummy chicken tortilla soup with homemade chips and salsa is a perfect combination. You have something that will sustain their appetites and something else to snack on if the game goes into overtime.

So whatever team you are cheering on this Fall or whomever you are entertaining, use these tips to ensure a good time. If you are hosting a football party and need some ideas, send me an email and I will be glad to help you out!

A lot of people were confused about the weekly menu I posted. Why didn’t I ever include recipes for all those meals? For a couple of reasons actually.
First off, the menu was designed to give you an idea of some things that you could cook for the week. They were pretty basic menu ideas that didn’t require a lot of time. Secondly, I am not a chef. I just like to cook. The items were just something that you could throw together or get a recipe from a cookbook in your cupboard, your mom, or from online. They were menu items that I make (a lot) and we eat- pretty normal food….
You will still see the “menu” as a feature on BFC; it just isn’t going to be a highlight. It will be posted on the sidebar. I hope this lessens the confusion, but still gives those that need it, some help and guidance to quick, easy, and budget friendly meals.

So obviously I haven’t done this in a while (post/blog) and to be honest I am a little nervous about putting myself out there again… but here it goes.

Budget Friendly Cooking (BFC) hasn’t seen the light of day since June. Why? Well, I don’t know. I liked filming shows and posting, but there were lots of things I didn’t like either- so I stopped. Then it happened. Emails from people who visited the site, people asking me when my next show was, and co-workers (some of whom I don’t really know) asking about the next week’s menu. All these signs telling me I must go on. Funny how once you stop something everyone tells you how much they miss it and want more of it, huh?! Well, I am hoping that that same enthusiasm sticks with me once again.

With a little encouragement from some close friends, I set a deadline- September 1st- yup that is the day when I am coming back! I would like to point out how society always starts things on the first of the month/week- it could be a workout plan, diet, etc…. it just makes me laugh. If you want to do it- then just do it already. But, alas, September 1st came and went and I did nothing. Why? Fear? Not wanting to disappoint? Laziness? But who cares, right- in the great words of the philosopher NIKE- JUST DO IT!

So here I am. BFC. Ready and willing to put myself out here- make shows- share recipes- and talk about food. I hope that the same great people follow and maybe a few “newbies” too….